Rochdale Harriers past and present joined in a celebration and acknowledgment of a remarkable milestone for Colin Robinson - the Harrier’s President has been a member of the club for 70 years.
Over 100 people were present at St Vincent’s Parish Centre, Norden, including Mayor Janet Emsley who congratulated Colin and presented him with a fine painting of Rochdale Town Hall, whilst also becoming an honorary member of Rochdale Harriers herself.
Colin was an outstanding athlete, representing Rochdale on an international scene in cross country racing, and is without doubt one of the finest sports people to come out of the town. Still to this day, Colin holds many club records (including a 5,000m personal best of 13 min 48.8 sec).
Highlights from Colin’s peak years include winning the Under 23 National Cross Country Championship race in 1961 at London’s Parliament Hill, the junior International Cross Country Championship in Nantes, France, and the prestigious Yorkshire Three Peaks Fell Race in 1969, in a time of 2 hours, 44 minutes, and 44 seconds.
Colin and his wife Brenda have given countless voluntary hours to Rochdale Harriers and the wider North West running scene, giving up their time across many roles to support the sport at track, road, fell races and cross country meets.
Colin commented: “Since my joining the Harriers, athletics has moved on from the Chariots of Fire era to a more professional approach.
“Rochdale athletes have always shown friendship, loyalty and true Northern grit.”
